Pure Pigments — The Colour Makers House, Britain's only medieval pigment alchemist
Discover Something Unexpected in Appleby
Sometimes, you stumble upon magic. You don't need to be an artist to experience it.
You're wandering through Appleby's streets when you notice a sign. You step inside, not quite sure what to expect.
Inside a 17th-century workshop, hundreds of glowing jars of colour line the walls. Rocks. Clays. Minerals. And a man who can turn them into extraordinary things.
Two hours later, you leave with pigments you made yourself, a story you'll tell for years, and the feeling of having touched something genuinely rare.
This happens here almost every week.
Experience The Colour Makers House - The World of Colour
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU VISIT
You'll step into a Grade II-listed building that has stood since 1677, walk among hundreds of hand-ground pigments made from the rocks and earth of the North Pennines, and watch — or join in — as raw minerals are transformed into colour before your eyes.
Mark will show you the chemistry, the history, and the alchemy that connect the landscape outside to the jars on these shelves. He's been doing this for over thirty years, and his passion for it is, by all accounts, contagious.
"He conveys his passion effortlessly."
"A gift of knowledge given so generously."
The Discovery — From £10 per person
An hour introduction to the world of pigment-making. Watch demonstrations, learn the history, and make something of your own. Perfect for curious visitors and anyone passing through Appleby. Walk-ins welcome when available, or book ahead to guarantee your place.
Family Discovery — £75 for the whole family
A Two-hour session designed for families of up to six. Make pigments together, learn together, leave with something you made with your own hands. Popular during school holidays. Ages six and up.
Alchemy Experience — From £60 per person
Go deeper in an intensive three-hour session. Make multiple pigments, explore the transformation process, and take your creations home. Ideal for anyone who wants more than a taster.
Looking for something more in-depth? We also offer full-day workshops for serious artists and practitioners. [See all workshop options.]
LOCATION & VISITING
The Colour Makers House sits on High Wiend in the heart of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria — a market town worth a day of anyone's time.
We're easy to find and, if the door is open, you're welcome to look in.
[Opening times] [How to find us] [Book in advance]
People come to Appleby for its castle, its river, its famous Horse Fair. They leave talking about the workshop on High Wiend.
We'd love to be part of your visit.